Our Staggered Return To School Ends

A degree of normality has returned to our lives now that all year levels are back to on-site learning this week. It is lovely to walk around our school with classrooms full of children. They have really missed their friends and classmates, and have enjoyed catching up with each other over the past couple of weeks.

It is important to acknowledge that the impact of managing COVID-19 has been incredibly difficult for everyone. While many members of our school community are excited about the easing of restrictions, our conversations with some parents have revealed that there are also members of our school community who are somewhat anxious about students returning back to on-site learning full time.

It is fact that the end of lockdown doesn't mean the end of COVID-19, and that is evident in the daily infection rates. It is perfectly normal for people to have a fear of catching the virus, and it is why DET have mandated measures for schools to implement to minimise the spread of the virus. This includes wearing of masks indoors, regular hand-washing, ventilation and the vaccination of all staff who work in the school. The reality is that we need to be vigilant, but it is likely that once a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of COVID-19 in the community will decrease.

CUST Training

Early in Term 4, all Scoresby PS staff completed essential Cultural Understanding and Safety Training (CUST). This training is a requirement of Department of Education and Training employees and aims to create a common understanding of indigenous values and history for all. Training was led by Lea Jones, Knox’s Koori Education Officer.

At SPS we have in place our Acknowledgement of Country at school assemblies and flags on display in the office foyer. Indigenous cultural curriculum content is in our current units of work and we are reviewing opportunities to incorporate further awareness across the school community.

Reporting 2021

The Semester 2, 2021 Student Report will be distributed as normal but will be reduced in content. The report will primarily focus on what progress has been made and what has been achieved by each student, with a particular emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. There will be a number of other adjustments which will be made clearer as we progress through the term.

Tutor Learning Initiative

The Tutor Learning Initiative will continue in 2022. This is really good news and acknowledges that some students have continued to struggle with Remote Learning and will need further support next year. We will be assessing all the 2021 student achievement data and targeting students who need that extra 'boost' next year. Ms Kate Matthews will continue on as the tutor for Scoresby PS in 2022.

Planning For 2022

We are now in planning mode for 2022. If you are aware your child/ren will not be returning to Scoresby PS next year, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. This is particularly important as we need to ensure we have the right number of students for each of our classes next year.

For 2022 we are planning one Foundation class and there are vacancies across all year levels in the school for next year; we welcome enquiries from any interested families.

In good news for our Foundation 2022 students, we can now have our remaining transition sessions face-to-face.

School Fees For 2022

Parent payments are an essential source of funds for a school to operate effectively. Without student levies schools would not be able to provide the many programs and resources we provide for the students at Scoresby Primary School.

In 2022, the Student Levy amount will remain the same as 2021, which is $280.00 per student. This amount is determined through consultation between the Finance committee and School Council. In December, a Parent Payment letter will be sent home to each family detailing the amounts owed, as well as payment options available.

Playgroup Is Coming To SPS In 2022

Next year, Scoresby PS is launching a playgroup for pre-school children. We are wanting to encourage families into our school, and build stronger connections with our local community and community members.

We have given two of our ES staff - Sam Edwards and Donna O’Connor - the job of getting this project off the ground. Both of these ES staff members have experience working with pre-school children, and have worked in the kindergarten and childcare systems prior to working at Scoresby PS.

Well run playgroups provide children time to explore through play and allow parents an opportunity to connect in a friendly space. We are very excited to be launching this program at SPS. Details about days and times of the playgroup session will come early next year.

We are also setting up a space for our playgroup, and if you have any thing at home you might like to donate in terms of toys, construction blocks, dress-ups, (any no-longer-needed pre-school toys, in fact) you can leave them at the front office with Tina or Raelene.

Website Photo Shoot Day

The photographer will be at SPS for the photo shoot for our new website on Wednesday 17th November for the day.

If you would like you child featured on the website, we require you to complete the consent form sent out via Compass on 18th October by Mrs Rheumer.

Drone shots, whole school shots and other photos will also be taken on the day; the consent form is for the more prominent photos on the website.

SUE HARTLEY AND NICOLE RHEUMER

Scoresby Primary School Leaders

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